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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 6, 2008

TASTE
Serve corn fritters as a side or appetizer

 •  Sniffing out fakes

Washington Post

These corn fritters are like light hush puppies: a bready, savory side perfect for grilled food or barbecue, or an appetizer to be dunked or draped in fresh salsa.

As always when deep-frying, keep a sharp eye on the oil's temperature for safety's sake and to ensure proper cooking. We found we could fry four or five fritters at a time; any more and we risked lowering the oil temperature too much and creating soggy specimens.

Adapted from Pam Pahl of Pahl's Farm in Woodstock, Md.; it was a recipe of her grandmother's.

  • Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying (about 5 cups for a 10-inch skillet)

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels

  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk

  • 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter, melted

    Line a large baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. Fill a large skillet with about 1 inch of the oil; place over high heat and monitor so that it reaches 375 degrees.

    When the oil is close to the right temperature, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a medium bowl; mix well.

    Combine the eggs, corn kernels, milk and melted butter in a large measuring cup; mix well. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Taste the batter and add salt, if desired.

    Working in batches of 4 or 5 at a time, drop the batter by slightly rounded teaspoonfuls (not a measuring teaspoon) into the hot oil, being careful to space them apart. Cook for 21/2 to 3 minutes, turning them over after about a minute and again later, if needed, to achieve a golden color all over (watch out for any exposed corn kernels, which might sizzle or explode in the hot oil). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to the lined baking sheet as you work. Serve warm.

    Makes 30 fritters.

  • Per serving: 40 calories, 1 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fiber